Sledgehammer Beach Run
- Date Sat 11th April 2026
- Time 8:30AM EDT
- Location N Topsail Beach, North Carolina
- Price $22.20 - $48.70
- Races 6 races
- Distances Half Marathon, 10km, 5km
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Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating day at the Sledgehammer Beach Run, taking place on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the stunning North Topsail Beach in Onslow, NC! This exciting event invites participants to run on the beautiful sandy shores with race options including a Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just looking for a fun way to enjoy the beach, there's a distance for everyone to enjoy while soaking in the picturesque views of the coastline.
Honoring the legacy of Dr. E. B. Sledge, a dedicated Marine and beloved professor, this race serves as a tribute to combat veterans. With a Half Marathon cut-off time of four hours, runners can push their limits in a supportive and vibrant atmosphere. Participants also have the opportunity to purchase event merchandise to commemorate their achievement. Don't miss out on this rain or shine event that blends fitness, history, and community spirit—all while running on one of North Carolina's most beautiful beaches!
Honoring the legacy of Dr. E. B. Sledge, a dedicated Marine and beloved professor, this race serves as a tribute to combat veterans. With a Half Marathon cut-off time of four hours, runners can push their limits in a supportive and vibrant atmosphere. Participants also have the opportunity to purchase event merchandise to commemorate their achievement. Don't miss out on this rain or shine event that blends fitness, history, and community spirit—all while running on one of North Carolina's most beautiful beaches!
Organiser's Description
Event Address:
2950 Island Drive
North Topsail Beach, NC
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Take in the views and explore North Topsail Beach while _running on the beach_ in either our Half Marathon, 10k or 5k.
Jacksonville-Onslow Sports Commission is proud to present the "Sledgehammer Race Series" in memory of Dr. E. B. Sledge. The mission statement of the "Sledgehammer Race Series" is: To Honor the memory of Sledgehammer and All Combat Veterans." Sledge was a lifelong Marine who spent the remainder of his post war years coming to terms with what he and his fellow combatants experienced during World War II.
E. B. "Sledgehammer" Sledge chose to volunteer for the U. S. Marine Corps in 1942. He was assigned to K company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Division (K/3/5) where he reached the rank of Corporal in the Pacific Theater. Sledgehammer was a 60mm mortarman at Peleliu and Okinawa where he served with Corporal R. V. Burgin and PFC. Merriell "Snafu" Shelton. Sledgehammer also served as a rifleman and stretcher bearer when fighting was too close for effective mortar use.
Sledge would go on to earn a doctorate in biology and was a beloved professor at the University of Montevallo. In 1981, Sledge published his memoir, With the Old Breed at Peleliu and Okinawa, which centered on his combat experiences during the Pacific Campaign. His book was used as a reference for Ken Burns' PBS documentary, "The War" and Tom Hanks and Stephen Speilbergs' HBO miniseries "The Pacific" starring Joseph Mazzello as Sledge.
COURSE INFORMATION
Half marathon, 10k & 5k course are all on the beach
**Half marathon cut off time is 4 hours. Anyone left on the course after the fourth hour will be picked up by a staff member and will be disqualified for awards.
T-SHIRTS
In order to keep the cost of races low for runners we have created the option to purchase a shirt instead of just including one in the registration. Register and select to purchase any item from our race store. Your items will be available to pick up with your packet or shipped to you if you're doing the race virtually. We have a variety of items to choose from.
Reminder: this is a rain or shine event
THIS EVENT IS OWNED & OPERATED BY THE JACKSONVILLE-ONSLOW SPORTS COMMISSION. LEARN MORE ABOUT US AT WWW.PLAYJOSC.COM
2950 Island Drive
North Topsail Beach, NC
----
Take in the views and explore North Topsail Beach while _running on the beach_ in either our Half Marathon, 10k or 5k.
Jacksonville-Onslow Sports Commission is proud to present the "Sledgehammer Race Series" in memory of Dr. E. B. Sledge. The mission statement of the "Sledgehammer Race Series" is: To Honor the memory of Sledgehammer and All Combat Veterans." Sledge was a lifelong Marine who spent the remainder of his post war years coming to terms with what he and his fellow combatants experienced during World War II.
E. B. "Sledgehammer" Sledge chose to volunteer for the U. S. Marine Corps in 1942. He was assigned to K company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Division (K/3/5) where he reached the rank of Corporal in the Pacific Theater. Sledgehammer was a 60mm mortarman at Peleliu and Okinawa where he served with Corporal R. V. Burgin and PFC. Merriell "Snafu" Shelton. Sledgehammer also served as a rifleman and stretcher bearer when fighting was too close for effective mortar use.
Sledge would go on to earn a doctorate in biology and was a beloved professor at the University of Montevallo. In 1981, Sledge published his memoir, With the Old Breed at Peleliu and Okinawa, which centered on his combat experiences during the Pacific Campaign. His book was used as a reference for Ken Burns' PBS documentary, "The War" and Tom Hanks and Stephen Speilbergs' HBO miniseries "The Pacific" starring Joseph Mazzello as Sledge.
COURSE INFORMATION
Half marathon, 10k & 5k course are all on the beach
**Half marathon cut off time is 4 hours. Anyone left on the course after the fourth hour will be picked up by a staff member and will be disqualified for awards.
T-SHIRTS
In order to keep the cost of races low for runners we have created the option to purchase a shirt instead of just including one in the registration. Register and select to purchase any item from our race store. Your items will be available to pick up with your packet or shipped to you if you're doing the race virtually. We have a variety of items to choose from.
Reminder: this is a rain or shine event
THIS EVENT IS OWNED & OPERATED BY THE JACKSONVILLE-ONSLOW SPORTS COMMISSION. LEARN MORE ABOUT US AT WWW.PLAYJOSC.COM
Races
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Sledgehammer Half Marathon Beach Run
Incl. $3.70 Fee
Sat 11th April 2026 (8:30AM EDT)
$48.70
The entire course will be on the beach.Cutoff time of 4hours. Registration comes with finisher medal (only those that finish the race), drawstring bag, exclusive restaurant discounts, bib with chiming chip and access to finish line refreshments. -
Sledgehammer 10k Beach Run
Incl. $2.80 Fee
Sat 11th April 2026 (8:30AM EDT)
$32.80
Registration comes with finisher medal (only those that finish the race), drawstring bag, exclusive restaurant discounts, bib with chiming chip and access to finish line refreshments. -
Sledgehammer 5k Beach Run
Incl. $2.20 Fee
Sat 11th April 2026 (8:30AM EDT)
$22.20
Registration comes with finisher medal (only those that finish the race), drawstring bag, exclusive restaurant discounts, bib with chiming chip and access to finish line refreshments. -
Sledgehammer Half Marathon Virtual Race
Incl. $2.50 Fee
$27.50
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Sledgehammer 10k Virtual Race
Incl. $2.50 Fee
$27.50
-
Sledgehammer 5k Virtual Race
Incl. $2.50 Fee
$27.50
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